Any serious website owner or blogger knows that high quality web content is KING in the online world. However, not all of us blessed with the ability to produce content that is both captivating to read and keyword rich. For those who find content writing challenging, there is an abundance of content writers out there who are both capable and willing to undertake the task.
The problem when considering outsourcing your content to a freelance writer is that you have to identify an expert who can produce content of the highest quality. With so many people now turning their hand to article writing, most of which are average writers who see content writing as a way to supplement their income, how can web owners separate the ‘wheat from the chaff’ and identify an freelance writer who understands the needs of their business and has the skills to produce the goods? The key to identifying an expert content writer is much like identifying a expert in any other field. RESEARCH! There are 3 areas of a content writers background that can help you identify their level of skill and expertise, experience, qualifications and testimonials.
Experience
You would not entrust a rookie car mechanic with your specialized vintage car and you should not entrust your web content to a rookie content writer. Always check the experience level of any freelance writer you are considering to write your content. The following are some questions you may want answered:
- Is content writing their full time job or just a part time means of supplementing their income?
- How long have they been a freelance writer?
- What other websites have they produced content for?
- Have you published any work elsewhere? For example, books, magazines, newspapers etc.
Qualifications
You would not seek medical attention from someone whose only academic qualification was a high school diploma and you should not entrust your web content to someone with no verifiable academic background. It is not necessary for content writers to have cascading letters after their name and several degrees, but a content writer who has an academic background will have to have developed strong writing skills in order to complete their academic work. Asking the writer to show you academic certificates, transcripts, or a means of verifying their achievements is not unreasonable.
Testimonials
Word of mouth, referrals from friends, and verifiable testimonials are great ways of finding an expert freelance writer. Why? Quite simply because if they have provided other people with a first class service, they will almost certainly provide you with the same. However, testimonials must be verified and not taken as read on the content writers web site. If their website has testimonials posted, check them before you commit to the writer. In essence, identifying an expert freelancer is not difficult, just a little time consuming. The time you spend researching, asking questions and verifying the legitimacy of a content writer will be time well spent. It is much more sensible to spend time identifying an expert content writer, than it is to spend your hard earned money on a poorly qualified one.
Jay Neaves BA Hons Media & Communication Studies Author, writer and founder of The Professional Writing Service Jay Neaves is a former journalist who has published work in leading magazines and newspapers in both the UK and the US. The Professional Writing Service started life in 2001 as a part time venture that grew through little more than word of mouth. In essence, Jay was a victim of his own success and rather than turn away his loyal clients, Jay decided to take the service online as a full time business. Since 2008, The Professional Writing Service has gone from strength to strength welcoming many new satisfied clients while still providing his excellent service to his existing ones. Are you a website owner, looking for a professional content writer? Confused by article marketing or need an experienced article writer? Need someone to write a letter, press release? The Professional Writing Service offers a comprehensive writing and editing service for both the online and offline community. For a professional, friendly and affordable service, contact us today!
